JudyVervers headshot

ANCOR names Judy Ververs of CCS Vermont DSP of the Year

VBSR member Champlain Community Services (CCS) is honored and proud to announce that ANCOR, the American Network of Community Options and Resources, has named our own Judy Ververs the Vermont Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year. We congratulate her on this well-deserved award.

In announcing Judy’s award, ANCOR said: “Judy learned one of the young men she supports was deeply inspired when he went to see civil rights leader John Lewis speak at a local theater. Together, they developed a passion for advocacy and public speaking, and had many spirited discussions about books by Mr. Lewis. This introduction to the Civil Rights Movement, along with his ambition and Judy’s support, helped the person grow as a respected leader and self-advocate throughout the state.

“By her very nature, Judy believes in the power of curiosity and learning, and actively seeks to understand the best way to support peoples’ educational and personal growth. As a lifelong learner and educator, Judy teaches and supports people to embrace their fullest, most human and person-centered lives.”

Judy reacted modestly, saying, “Direct Support Professional is a job title. But, to me, it also defines the very act of human connection. We build trust through our common experiences as people. And, in the process of assisting someone else, we also always benefit. Then, in the company of each other, we go out and model that for our communities.”

CCS (www.ccs-vt.org) is a developmental services and health care provider offering highly personalized and carefully coordinated supports to Vermonters with intellectual disabilities and autism.

Vermont DSP of the Year is a significant award, as Judy was chosen from among hundreds of nominations by an organization that serves as a leading advocate for the critical role DSPs play in enriching the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). As a national nonprofit trade association, ANCOR represents 1,600+ organizations employing more than a half-million professionals who together serve more than a million individuals with I/DD.

Mark your calendars for May 6th when Judy and the other winners (including national DSP of the Year Eligio Velassquez of New Mexico) will be recognized in a virtual award ceremony.